Separation of copper from chalcopyrite using hydrochloric acid

Abstract

A method of separating copper from chalcopyrite, including heating a mixture containing chalcopyrite particles containing copper components and hydrochloric acid at a temperature of at least 110 DEG C. for a period of time sufficient to convert the copper components into a water-soluble state. The heated mixture is then mixed with water to leach out the water-soluble copper components from the particles into water.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of separating copper from chalcopyrite, comprising the steps of: (a) heating a mixture consisting essentially of chalcopyrite particles containing copper components and hydrochloric acid at a temperature of at least 110° C. for a period of time sufficient to convert the copper components into a water-soluble state, said hydrochloric acid having a concentration of 6-12 mole/dm 3  ; and   (b) mixing said heated mixture with water to leach out said water-soluble copper components from said particles into water.   
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said chalcopyrite particles have a particle size of 150 μm or less. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) is performed at a temperature of 120-140° C. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) is performed 1-6 hours. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) is performed 2-4 hours. 
     
     
       6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (a) is performed in a closed vessel in which said chalcopyrite particles are placed and wherein said hydrochloric acid is used in an amount sufficient for all of said chalcopyrite particles to be immersed in said hydrochloric acid but less than about twice the volume of said chalcopyrite particles. 
     
     
       7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (b) is performed at ambient temperature. 
     
     
       8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said water is used in an amount providing a pulp concentration of 10-100 g/dm 3 .